Subaru · Known Issues
1999 Subaru Impreza Problems: 7 Known Issues
1999 model year · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
1999 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
1999 model year · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
1999 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 1999 Subaru Impreza has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,500-$2,800 repair), Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust ($300-$2,500 repair), Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) ($500-$1,000 repair) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure ($1,200-$2,600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) with 4,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 1999 Subaru Impreza has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust, Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1999 Subaru Impreza has 7 known issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust and Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $60 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.
1993-1999 Imprezas (GC8/GF8/GM sedan, coupe, and wagon) are highly prone to corrosion at the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and the rear subframe/crossmember, particularly in salted-road climates. The outer quarter panel and wheel housing are joined with spot welds and foam ad… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D and the 1997-and-later SOHC EJ engines are interference designs: if the rubber timing belt breaks or a belt idler/tensioner pulley seizes, the pistons strike open valves and bend them, destroying the top end. From 1997 all USDM Subaru EJ engines (including the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: high.
The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D) used in the 1998-1999 Impreza 2.5 RS (and shared with the 1996-1999 Legacy/Outback/Forester of the era) is notorious for internal head gasket failure. In 1996 Subaru used a composite gasket, then from 1997 switched to a multi-layer-ste… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,600. Severity: high.
Automatic-transmission 1990s Imprezas use the 4EAT with an electronically managed transfer clutch (governed by the Duty C solenoid) to split torque to the rear wheels. When the Duty C solenoid or its control valve sticks/leaks, or the transfer clutch pack wears, the AWD stays par… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Pressed-in front wheel bearings on the 1993-2001 Impreza chassis are a recurring wear item; the bearings were sized for the small factory 15-16 inch wheels, and larger aftermarket wheels, high mileage, or hard cornering accelerate failure. A failed bearing hums or roars proportio… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
The SOHC EJ18 and EJ22 engines in the base 1990s Impreza use a camshaft-driven distributor. With age, the cap and rotor corrode and crack, and the distributor O-ring can weep oil into the cap. This causes crossfire and weak spark that shows up as rough idle, hesitation, and hard… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.